Hinduism Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the name of the Hindu epic poem that deals with human values associated with the concept of dharma?

Ramayana (correct)

Bharatas

Mahabarata

Vedas

What is the name of the theory that suggests that the Aryans migrated to India?

Aryan Migration Theory (correct)

Aryan Invasion Theory

Hinduism Origin Theory

Indus River Theory

What is the name of the Hindu sacred texts that contain revealed knowledge?

Vedas

Shruti (correct)

Mahabarata

Smriti

What is the name of the Hindu sage who is believed to have written the Ramayana?

Valmiki Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Hindu epic poem that is considered as the “fifth Veda”?

Mahabarata Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the river along the banks of which Hinduism is believed to have originated?

Indus River Signup and view all the answers

What is the Mandate of Heaven based on?

The ruling style of past emperors Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of Confucian education?

To train rulers and subjects to be noble persons Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle behind the concept of Rectification of Names?

Doing one's duties and responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the festival celebrated on September 28?

Birthday of Confucius Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the five basic relationships identified by Confucius?

They are the essential relationships in human society Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the festival that honors the kings and queens of the Yi dynasty?

Chongmyo Taeje Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emphasis of the concept of Xiao or filial piety?

Duty of children to respect and take care of their parents Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of the School of Mencius?

Human nature is fundamentally good and can be cultivated through education Signup and view all the answers

What is the view of Xunzi on the concept of heaven?

Heaven is morally neutral and does not prescribe standards for human behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the concept of Wen or culture?

Acquiring artistic skills and art appreciation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Tao Te Ching in Confucianism?

It is a foundational text that informs Confucian views on the Tao, or the Way Signup and view all the answers

What is the view of the School of Mencius on the concept of human nature?

Human nature is fundamentally good and can be corrupted if not cultivated Signup and view all the answers

What is the natural inclination of humans according to the text?

to satisfy their own needs and selfish interests Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the emergence of Neo-Confucianism?

to establish Confucianism as a rival to Taoism and Buddhism Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant contribution of Han Yu to Confucianism?

He opposed the Buddhist influence on a Tang emperor Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the school founded by Zhu Xi?

School of Zhu Xi Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of Wang Yangming's contributions to Confucianism?

The simplification of rituals and emphasis on the mind Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1911?

The collapse of the Confucian educational curriculum Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the female immortal who made a promise to remain a virgin after eating an alchemy mixture?

Ho Hsian-ku Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Taoist practice that aims to harmonize the principle of yin and yang?

Tai Chi Signup and view all the answers

What is the second method of Taoist Alchemy?

Internal Alchemy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the key energies in the human body?

Spiritual harmony Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the musician and magician who could make flowers grow?

Han Hsiang-tzu Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of Taoist Alchemy?

To achieve spiritual harmony in the universe Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hinduism Overview

Ramayana and Mahabharata are significant Sanskrit epics, dating from 200 BCE to 200 CE.
Hinduism is the largest religion in India, originated along the Indus River.
Origin theories include the Aryan Invasion Theory and Aryan Migration Theory.
Hindu identity is not tied to a specific set of beliefs; the term "Hinduism" was adopted later.

Sacred Texts

Shruti refers to texts containing revealed knowledge; considered primary sources.
Smriti includes remembered knowledge; regarded as secondary sources that may evolve over time.
Main texts include the Vedas, which encapsulate eternal and unchanging truths.

Key Epics

Ramayana: Written by sage Valmiki, comprises 24,000 verses across seven books; emphasizes human values and dharma.
Mahabharata: Known as the "fifth Veda," tells the great story of the Bharatas.

Confucian Doctrines

Mandate of Heaven: Emperors governed by serving people's interests; their rule reflects the Way of Heaven.
Noble Person (Junzi): Represents an ideal human, promoting social harmony through noble traits.
Basic Relationships: Five essential human relationships identified by Confucius: father-son, elder brother-younger brother, husband-wife, elder friend-younger friend, ruler-subject.
Rectification of Names: Each individual must fulfill their societal roles responsibly.

Celebrations and Values

Birthday of Confucius: Celebrated September 28 for ten days.
Chinese New Year: Celebrated on January 31.
Ching Ming or Tomb-Sweeping Day: Takes place 106 days after winter solstice.
Xiao (filial piety): Emphasizes love and respect for family, particularly the duty of children toward parents.
Wen (culture): Encourages cultural appreciation and artistic skills.

Ancestor Respect and Taoism

Family concepts include honoring deceased ancestors.
Tao Te Ching teaches about the Tao as an unknowable force flowing through nature and human nature.

Confucian Schools

School of Mencius: Advocates that human nature is fundamentally good; goodness can be cultivated through education.
School of Xunzi: Argues that human nature is inherently self-interested and evil; morality is a human construct.
Neo-Confucianism: Emerged to counter Taoism and Buddhism; gained religious status.
School of Han Yu: Opposed Buddhist influence.
School of Zhu Xi: Compiled important Confucian writings, establishing the Four Books for civil service exams.
School of Wang Yangming: Emphasized inner reflection and meditation for understanding truth and virtue.

Challenges and Spiritual Practices

Confucian educational frameworks collapsed post-Qing dynasty in 1911.
Taoist Meditation: Enhances both spiritual and physical health through practices like Tai Chi.
Taoist Alchemy: Seeks immortality via external (physical mixtures) and internal (energy cultivation) alchemy.
Qi Gong: Centers on harmonizing three vital energies: vital essence, chi, and spirit.

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Description

Explore the origins and basics of Hinduism, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, the Aryan Invasion and Migration Theories, and the evolution of Hindu religious views. Learn about the history and development of Hinduism, the largest religion in India. Test your knowledge of Hinduism's core principles and concepts.